The Genius of the Sky and The EST of NXT battle for the opportunity to challenge NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler at TakeOver: New York. Video courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.

NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler saw to it that neither Io Shirai nor Bianca Belair had her hand raised when The Genius of the Sky and The EST of NXT fought each other for the right to challenge Baszler at TakeOver: New York.

With a golden opportunity at stake, Shirai and Belair went full bore before The Queen of Spades, who sat in on commentary for the match, imposed her will. Shirai soared around the ring with speed and precision, while Belair used her clear power advantage to out-muscle the Japanese Superstar. After Belair cut down Shirai with a vicious spear, however, Baszler stormed the ring.

The callous NXT Women’s Champion ripped Shirai from the squared circle before forcing Belair into unconsciousness with the Kirifuda Clutch. Longtime Baszler rival Kairi Sane entered the fray next, but Baszler quickly put her to sleep with another Kirifuda Clutch. Shirai then re-entered the ring to try to save her best friend Sane, but it only gave The Submission Magician the chance to complete the trifecta and turn out the lights of another would-be contender with her debilitating hold.

Although Baszler stood tall over all three Superstars, her rampage didn’t clear her dance card for TakeOver: New York. Instead of eliminating any potential challengers, Baszler’s ambush prompted NXT General Manager William Regal to rule later in the night that Baszler will face Shirai, Belair and Sane in a championship Fatal 4-Way Match on April 5, a decision that left Baszler speechless.